Pack like a pro this festive season

December 17, 2015, 11:11am

By Nicola Gallagher, Lela mobilePhoto: Flickr

Many people tend to travel during the festive season to be with friends and family across the country and even across borders. Although spending time with loved ones is refreshing and fun, packing to travel is not the most enjoyable experience.

For those of you who will be traveling and haven’t left quite yet, here are some common thoughts that run through a person’s mind while packing and some travel tips to re-frame those thoughts so that you can pack like a pro.

There are so many other things I want to be doing besides packing!

Stepping out of the office a minute after it closes for the holiday is extremely relieving. You will have so much more time on your hands. The weather is nice, the air smells sweeter and there are so many things you probably want to be doing besides beginning the daunting task of shoving your belongings into a bag that is a bit too small.

Travel Tips:

Do something before you start packing: Take some time to relax after work before diving into packing, or else it will take you longer because you are thinking about all the other things you would rather be doing.

But, don’t start packing too late at night: It is common for people to procrastinate packing, and usually there is no harm done if you put it off for a few hours. As long as you sleep enough the night before travelling so that you can stay safe on the roads, feel free to do a little something before emptying out your dresser into your bag.

Swing by the shops after work: I would recommend going to the shops early for things you might need when you travel, for example you might have to buy toiletries, water, snacks, etc. Although you can pack later in the evening, shops close earlier than most of us would like.

I have too many things that I want to pack!

It’s fun to get dressed up during the festive season, and people tend to want to look fancy for their first kiss of the New Year. Thus, sometimes it is hard to choose what to pack! Looking at the mountain of clothes you pulled out of your closet and put onto your bed can be disheartening.

Travel Tips:

Pack what you feel comfortable in: If you are going to be spending time with your loved ones, they most likely won’t be worrying about the type of shoes you are wearing or the color of your shirt, instead they will be happy to be with you!

Do a quick fashion show: Try on a few different outfits so that you can be sure what you want to bring, and strut your stuff around the room. This can help with planning out what you will be wearing each day and lessen the amount of things you bring with you.

Am I packing too much stuff?

Before you know it, your bag won’t close and there are socks hanging out of one of the side pockets.

Travel Tips:

Try to travel lightly: It is definitely easier to travel when you have less things to carry and your bags weigh less. If you forget something, you might even be able to borrow what you need from one of your friends or family members.

Make a list of the essential things you need: For the things that you probably can't borrow (no one wants to borrow underwear), you can avoid forgetting the essential things you need for your trip by making a list.As you put them into your bag, check them off so that you know that you have what you need. If you have extra room, feel free to throw in another one of your favorite tops.

I give up.

Many times, a traveler will reach the point while packing when he or she just might want to give up because there seems to be no end in sight.

Travel Tip:

Put on some tunes: If you are feeling bored or frustrated with packing, turn on some tunes and jam while you stuff your suitcase. When you listen to music, your brain releases a neurochemical called dopamine which makes you feel good! Read up more about this science in Dr. Moore's article, "Why Music Listening Makes Us Feel Good" in Psychology Today.

Call in for some back up: Invite a friend over to keep you company as you pack. It is nice to have someone there along the way, and they might even be willing to help you fold a few things.

Although packing is not the most joyful experience, when you finally finish with it, you are one step closer to spending the festive season with your loved ones. Good luck and Lela Mobile wishes you a fun and safe festive season.